Apparatus and methods for level and/or straight edge tools

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or generally rectangular shaped. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a generally rectangular shaped construction with at least one curved side.

This application claims priority to, and is a continuation of, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/136,986, filed on Apr. 24, 2016, now toissue on Jul. 4, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,696,153, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/144,399, filed on Dec. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,321,297, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/295,457, filed onNov. 14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,615,892, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/562,117, filed on Sep. 17, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,249,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/168,144, filed on Jul. 6, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,607,235, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/408,176,filed on Apr. 21, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,409,772, which claimsbenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/673,811, filedApr. 22, 2005. These prior patent applications are hereby incorporatedby reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to methods and various apparatus fortools. For example, the invention involves various apparatus and methodsfor high strength and durability level and/or straight edge tools.

BACKGROUND

Various levels and straight edge tools have been known in the past fordetermining whether an item is level and assisting in leveling an itemand/or drawing a straight edge in, for example, the building trades. Ofthe various types of levels, there are generally two types of levelsavailable for use in the building industry; box style and “I” beam stylelevels. The box style level is, as its name implies, shaped like arectangular box having four sides formed in an elongated manner with thelevel indicators or bubble vials encased within the box shape. The Ibeam style level is, as its name implies, shaped like an I beam havingonly three main features or “sides” formed in an elongated manner, witha first main side to which the second and third main sides are attachedat opposite ends (of the first main side) and are perpendicular with thefirst main side, so that from a cross section view the level generallyhas an “I” shape. These same shapes may be commonly used for a straightedge as well as for establishing “level” geometry.

These tools may often be used in the building trades. As such, a leveland/or straight edge used in the building trades may be subjected tovarious adverse conditions including, being stepped upon by a worker,being thrown down hard, being dropped from high places, beingtransported in the bed of a pickup truck, being left out in the weather,etc. Thus, they must exhibit various characteristics, for example,strength, rigidity, durability, consistent and repeatable accuracy. Itis also desirable that these products be light in weight, etc.

In general, a box level may be stronger and more ridged than an I beamstyle level, but it is typically heavier in weight than an I beam style.An I beam level and/or straight edge may not be strong or rigid enoughand may be too flimsy such that it may be bent or rendered not true orflat by heavy impact or torque. For example, the typical I beam stylelevel and/or straight edge may be twisted about its elongated axisbecause the design has very little strength in this direction,particularly when it is made of lightweight materials such as aluminumor plastic in thin sections.

To be consistently true at determining whether a working surface or itemis level or for determining or creating a straight line, a level and/orstraight edge must be rigid enough so that a reasonable amount of abuseand heavy impact or excessive torque, that the level or straight edgedevice receives, does not permanently distort it and rendering it unableto function properly. In the case of I beam style level and/or straightedge made of lightweight materials in thin sections, the product willnot be as strong as desired. However it will be lower in weight andcost. In the past, the box level was better for strength and rigidity,but the cost to manufacture and weight were higher than I beam stylelevels and/or straight edges.

Therefore, a level and/or straight edge having improved cost and/orlower weight over the box style with similar, comparable or betterdurability, strength and rigidity to the box style would be desirableand prove particularly useful in the building trades.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed generally to tools that arelightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example,various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligningor drawing lines on items may be designed so that one or more of thesides are designed to be stronger or higher strength than one or more ofthe other sides, so as to give the device more strength and/or rigidity.In one embodiment, the device may be a level and/or straight edge devicehaving an improved or augmented I beam style so that they arelightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape understress and after being stressed. The invention is particularly usefulfor levels and/or straight edge tools used in the building trades, forexample, a carpenter level and/or straight edge.

In various exemplary embodiments, the I beam style level and/or straightedge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongatedperpendicular sides are connected or coupled. However, at least one ormore higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongateside, may be comprised of a closed or box shaped side that is attachedto the first main elongated side in, for example, a perpendicularorientation thereto. For example, the second elongated side may be, forexample, a box shaped construction. The box shaped side may be largerthan the typical side and may be, for example, hollow, containstrengthening walls, or be made of a solid material. The box shapeconstruction may add additional strength and rigidity so that the I beamstyle level and/or straight edge may retain its true shape even whendropped, stressed and/or twisted about its horizontal axis, independentof it being made from lightweight and/or more flexible materials such asaluminum, magnesium, plastic, wood, etc. In one variation, the I beamstyle level and/or straight edge may be designed so that the sides areintegrally formed and may be formed using, for example, an extrusionprocess. In another variation, one of the perpendicular sides may beopen and the other perpendicular side may be closed.

In another exemplary embodiment, the I beam style level and/or straightedge may have one or more perpendicular members or sides that increasethe strength and/or rigidity but are made of a different shape. Forexample, the I beam style level and/or straight edge may have a concavesurface on one or more sides of a box type structure. In anothervariation, the support or strengthening side may be in the shape of atriangle. The triangle may be hollow or include one or morestrengthening walls within it.

In a still further exemplary embodiment, the I beam style level and/orstraight edge may have a typical structure including a first mainelongated side to which second perpendicular elongated side and a thirdperpendicular elongated side are connected. An elongated strengtheningmember may be attached along the planar surface of one or both of thesecond perpendicular elongated side and a third perpendicular elongatedside.

In even further embodiments, the level items and/or straight edge devicemay have other geometrical shapes that provide improved rigidity withoutnecessarily having strictly an I beam construction. For example, thedevice may have a cross section that is shaped like a “g” or “P.” Bothends of the structure may be closed. Further, the embodiments may havevarying geometry features including non rectangular features,non-uniform wall thicknesses, etc.

As should be appreciated, although additional exemplary embodiments andvariations of the invention are provided in the Detailed Descriptionsection below, neither this Summary nor the Detailed Description sectionbelow contain all possible embodiments or variations of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art uponreading the following detailed description, in conjunction with theappended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a level and/or straight edge,according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the level and/or straight edge shownin FIG. 1, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the level and/or straight edge shown inFIG. 1, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the level and/or straight edge shownin FIG. 1, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the level and/or straightedge shown in FIG. 1, according to at least one exemplary embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an inside view of an end cap for the level and/orstraight edge shown in FIG. 1, according to at least one exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section view (or end view without end caps)of the level and/or straight edge, according to at least one otherexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view (or end view without end caps)of the level and/or straight edge, according to at least one otherexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section view (or end view without end caps)of the level and/or straight edge, according to at least one otherexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section view (or end view without end caps)of the level and/or straight edge, according to at least one otherexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-section view (or end view without end caps)of the level and/or straight edge, according to at least one otherexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view (or end view without end caps)of the level and/or straight edge, according to at least one otherexemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 13A-13F illustrates several cross-section variations (or end viewwithout end caps) which exemplifies some of the range of alternativeembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed generally to tools that may be lighterin weight, stronger, more rigid and more durable than those presentlyavailable. As such, the present invention includes various embodimentsshowing devices and methods for various tools that may, at least inpart, include a side strengthening member. For example, an I beam stylelevel and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to whichtwo elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. In variousembodiments, at least one or more higher strength structures are used toaugment one or more of the perpendicular elongated sides. The inventionmay be particularly beneficial to building tools such as levels and/orstraight edges that need to maintain their original shape, planarity andsquared sides orientation (all sides at right angles to one another andthe surfaces flat).

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an I beam style level and/or straight edgeaccording to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention ispresented. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the I beam style leveland/or straight edge 100. The I beam style level and/or straight edge100 may be a three level indicator or level vial design having a framethat may include, for example, a top elongated bar 105 formedperpendicular with and connected to a first end of main frame side 108.The main frame side 108 may also be formed with or connected at a secondend (e.g., a bottom end) to, for example, a closed structure such as boxstructure 110, and oriented generally perpendicular to the orientationof the main frame side 108. The main frame side 108 may also house oneor more level indicators or vials, for example, the level indicators orlevel vials 125, 130, and 135, which may be the mounted in a vertical,horizontal, and 45 degree angle, respectively to the horizontal axis ofthe I beam style level and/or straight edge 100. The main frame side 108may also include various holes or cut outs therein, 140, 145, 150, 155,that may be used for reducing weight, hanging the I beam style leveland/or straight edge 100, or grasping/handling of the I beam style leveland/or straight edge 100. The I beam style level and/or straight edge100 may also include end cap 115 and end cap 120 at the far ends of thebeam frame. These end caps 115 and 120 may be pressed, screwed, snapped,or glued onto the ends of the beam.

The I beam styled structure including the top elongated bar 105, mainframe side 108, and box structure 110 may be formed integrally togetherusing, for example, an extrusion process that extrudes a continuouslyintegral beam. The extruded beam may then be cut to length. Although anylength may be possible, some exemplary lengths may include 1 foot, 2foot, 4 foot, etc. Alternatively, the I beam style shape may be formedby mounting the three sides together using, for example, brazing orwelding. The I beam style structure may be made of a lightweight yetstrong material, for example, a metal such as aluminum, magnesium, orany other material that may be extruded and maintain a squared I beamshape. One alternative material may include various types of plastics.Once the solid beam is formed, the holes or cut outs therein, 140, 145,150, 155, may be formed by, for example, a punching or cuttingoperation. Then, the level indicators or level vials 125, 130, and 135may be attached to the main frame side 108. Finally, the end caps 115and 120 may attached onto the ends of the I beam style structure asdescribed previously.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of the I beam level and/or straightedge 100 according to at least one embodiment is shown. As indicatedabove, the main frame side 108 may also house one or more levelindicators or vials, for example, the level indicators or level vials125, 130, and 135. The level indicators or level vials 125, 130, and 135may include vials of liquid with a gas bubble floating therein andalignment windows 205, 215 and 220. The vials may be mounted within acasing made of, for example, plastic. The plastic casing may have twohalves (one on each opposing sides of the main frame 108) that may becoupled, mounted or connected to the main frame side 108 using, forexample, mounting screws 210, rivets, or other type of fasteners.Alternatively, they may be adhesively attached thereto. In any case, thelevel indicators or level vials 125, 130, and 135 may be the mounted ina vertical, horizontal, and 45 degree angle, respectively to thehorizontal axis of the I beam style level and/or straight edge 100.

As may be seen more clearly from FIG. 2, the top elongated bar 105 maybe thin relative to the thickness of box structure 110. The topelongated bar 105 may be of a thickness typically found on I beam levelsand/or straight edges. However, box structure 110 may be thicker, forexample 2 to 5 times as thick as top elongated bar 105, to addadditional strength and rigidity so that the I beam style level and/orstraight edge 100 will retain its original squared off shape if it isstressed or twisted about the horizontal axis.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a top view of the I beam style level and/orstraight edge 100 according to at least one embodiment is shown. The topelongated bar 105 may include, for example, a flat surface 305 forplacing on a working surface to determine if it is level or to be usedas a straight edge. The flat surface 305 may include a viewing window310 for viewing the level indicator or level vial 215 so as to determineif a surface or working piece is level. The flat surface may be smoothor textured. As can be seen, the end caps 115 and 120 may be, forexample, rounded or convex in shape. Alternatively, the end caps 115 and120 may be squared off or eliminated altogether.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the level and/or straight edge100 is shown, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of theinvention. The closed or box structure 110 has a flat surface 405 forplacing on a working surface to determine if the work surface is leveland/or flat, or for using as a straight edge.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section view of the level and/orstraight edge taken across the line 5-5 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown,according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The topelongated bar 105 is formed perpendicular to main frame side or bar 108and may have short ears 530 and 535 that are parallel with main frameside or bar 108. The ears 530 and 535 may add rigidity to the structure.Two halves of the level indicator or level vial 130, side 130A and side130B, are attached to opposite sides of main frame side or bar 108. Endcap 115 closes off the far end of the I beam structure. The closed orbox structure 110 may have, for example, four sides that form arectangle that adds strength and/or rigidity to the typical simple Ibeam structure. The closed or box structure 110 may be the same width asthe top elongated bar 105. The closed or box structure 110 height mayalso be greater than the height of top elongated bar 105. In fact, invarious embodiments, the thickness of the top wall of closed or boxstructure 110 (as well as the other walls) may be the same thickness asthe top elongated bar 105 and/or the main frame side or bar 108 so as tokeep the weight as light as possible. For example, the thickness may be,for example, in a range of approximately 1/32 to ⅛ of an inch. In anycase, the closed or box structure 110 may include one or more internalstrengthening walls, for example, walls 505 and 510, and hollow areas515, 520 and 525. Using the internal support walls 505 and 510 alongwith the hollow areas 515, 520, and 525, in the box structure 110 mayincrease the strength and rigidity while keeping the device lighterweight. The bottom surface or wall 405 may be flat in this exemplaryembodiment and the thickness of all the walls of the closed or boxstructure 110 may, but need not be approximately the same.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an inside view of an end cap, for example endcap 115, for the level and/or straight edge is shown, according to atleast one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The end cap 115 may bedesigned to fit snuggly to the I beam style structure. For example,walls 625 and 630 may be formed of a shape and at a distance apart so asto fit snuggly to the I shape of the elongated bar 105, main frame sideor bar 108, and top wall of the box structure 110. Further, three boxes605, 610 and 620 may be formed to fit snuggly within the hollow areas515, 520, and 525, of the closed or box structure 110. The three boxes605, 610 and 620 may themselves be hollow having voids 635, 640 and 645.The end cap 115 may be made of a lightweight and durable materialincluding, for example, plastic, that may be molded and/or cut to shape.In one variation the end caps 115 and 120 may be adhesively attached. Inone variation the end caps may be eliminated or replaced with plugs madeof plastic or rubber to plug the holes in the closed or box structure.

Although not illustrated above, the side surfaces or bottom surface ofthe closed or box surface may include one or more scales that runslengthwise for the I beam level and/or straight edge 100. The scale(s)may be in English and/or Metric gauge and be used for measuring. Thescale(s) may be, for example, screen printed or etched into the surfaceof the sides. Further, the surfaces 305 and 405 may be smooth ortextured. The textured surface may be formed on the surface or by acoating, for example, a rubber or plastic coating. Further, althoughthis embodiment shows the closed or box structure used as only one endof the I beam shaped level and/or straight edge 100, this closed or boxstructure may be used on both ends of the main frame side or bar 108,rather than using elongated bar 105. In either case, using either one ortwo closed or box shapes will increase the rigidity of the structure andreduce the rotational twisting about the horizontal axis that mightdeform the squared shape of the I beam shaped level and/or straight edge100. Similarly, the elongated bar 105 is shown as an open section thatmay take on any shape, for example, a C shape.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the cross-section view (or end view without endcaps) of at least one other embodiment for the level and/or straightedge is shown. In this example, a top bar 705 and bottom bar 710 may beformed parallel to one another and perpendicular with a main frame sideor bar 708. The structure may be integrally formed. A closed bar or boxstructure 715 may be formed separately and may have a hollow area 720.The closed bar or box structure 715 may be formed separately and may bemade of a different or the same materials as the I shaped structure.Although not shown, the hollow area 720 may include one or more supportwalls similar to those shown in FIG. 5. In any case, the box structure715 may be connected to the bottom bar 710 at surface 725 using anyreasonable method, for example, adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering,etc. In some cases, the method of connecting the two separate structuresmay add more strength and/or rigidity.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the cross-section view (or end view without endcaps) of at least one other embodiment for the level and/or straightedge is shown. In this example, a top bar 805 and bottom closedstructure or box 810 may be formed perpendicular to and integral with amain frame side or bar 808. The closed bar or box structure 810 may haveone or more support walls and hollow areas. For example, there may bediagonal support walls 815 and 820, as well as voids 815 and 825. Thisstructure may have improved strength and rigidity while beinglightweight.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the cross-section view (or end view without endcaps) of at least one other embodiment for the level and/or straightedge is shown. In this example, a top bar 905 and bottom closedstructure or box 910 may be formed perpendicular to and integral with amain frame side or bar 908. The closed bar or box structure 910 may haveone or more support walls 910 and hollow areas 925 and 930. Further, thebottom wall 915 of the closed structure 910 may be formed in a concavemanner. This level and/or straight edge design may be particularlyadvantageous for leveling pipes or other items having a rounded surface.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the cross-section view (or end view withoutend caps) of at least one other embodiment for the level and/or straightedge is shown. In this example, a top bar 1005 and bottom closedstructure or box 1010 may be formed perpendicular to and integral with amain frame side or bar 1008. The closed bar or box structure 1010 may beformed in the shape of a triangle having sloped sides, e.g., side 1015.The closed bar or box structure 1010 may have one or more support walls1020 and hollow areas 1025, 1030 and 1035. This design enables a strongrigid lightweight structure that has sloped surfaces upon which, forexample, a scale may be more easily seen and read.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the cross-section view (or end view withoutend caps) of at least one other embodiment for the level and/or straightedge is shown. In this example, a top bar 1105 and bottom structure orbox 1110 may be formed perpendicular to and integral with a main frameside or bar 1108. The bottom bar or box structure 1110 may be a largersolid section that may be stronger and more rigid than other designs. Itmay also add additional weighting to the bottom side of the level and/orstraight edge so that it may be more easily set up on a working surface.Although, the solid bottom bar or box structure 1110 may be heavier.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the cross-section view (or end view withoutend caps) of at least one other embodiment for the I shaped level and/orstraight edge is shown. In this example, a top bar 1205 and bottom bar1210 may be formed parallel to one another and perpendicular with a mainframe side or bar 1208. The structure may be integrally formed. In thisembodiment, the bottom bar 1210 may also have ears that improve itsstrength and/or rigidity. A solid bar, plate or box structure 1215 maybe formed separately and may be made of a different or the samematerials as the I shaped structure. For example, some of the materialsmay include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, plastic, wood,etc. In any case, the bar, plate or box structure 1215 may be connectedto the bottom bar 1210 at surface 1220 using any reasonable method, forexample, adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering, etc. In some cases, themethod of connecting the two separate structures may add more strengthand/or rigidity, while still being relatively lightweight.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13F, those skilled in the art can see, that thepremises of this invention is that the full range of embodimentsencompasses a structure with at least one closed section for theconstruction of a level/straight edge. FIGS. 13A-13F show variousexemplary cross-sections (or end view without end caps) for alevel/straight edge, showing a variety of geometry features includingnon I shaped structures (e.g., b, T, P, g, etc.), non rectangular andirregular shaped features, non-uniform wall thicknesses, and multipleclosed structures. In particular, FIG. 13A shows a cross-section (or endview without end caps) having a larger closed end comprised of sides1305A, 1306, 1307 and 1308 and a short open end 1305B. Note that in thisembodiment the configuration is not an I shape, but is rather a “b”shape or upside down P shape. FIG. 13B shows a cross-section (or endview without end caps) having an open end comprising side 1310 and amoderately sized closed end comprised of sides 1312, 1313, 1314, and aportion of 1311. In this case it is worth noting that the side 1311 thatconnects the open end and closed end is not in the center but is on oneside of the structure, thus forming an upside down “g” shape or a block“6” shape. FIG. 13C shows a cross-section (or end view without end caps)having an open end comprising side 1324 and a closed end comprisingsides 1320, 1321, 1322, and 1323. In this example, the open end isformed at an angel, for example 30 degrees (or 45 degrees) from theclosed end side 1323. Further, the side 1320 may be made generallythicker than the other sides and may have a wider portion near side1324, which may offer better support and rigidity to side 1324.

FIGS. 13D and 13E show a cross-section views (or end views without endcaps) for the level and/or straight edge having two closed ends. FIG.13D has a first closed end including sides 1336, 1337, 1338, and 1339.Note that side 1339 may be thicker than the other sides for improvedstrength and may be made at an angle for ease of reading a scale (madelongitudinally along the level and/or straight edge. FIG. 13D also has asecond closed comprising sides 1330, 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334, and aportion of 1335. This closed end has an irregular geometry. The twoclosed ends of this embodiment is connected by side 1335. FIG. 13Eincludes a first closed end comprising sides 1340, 1341, 1342, and 1343and a second closed end comprised of sides 1345, 1346, 1347, and 1348.The second closed end may also include strengthening inner ribs 1349 and1350. The two closed ends are connected together by side 1344, andtogether form a barbell or I shape with enclosed ends.

FIG. 13F shows a cross-section (or end view without end caps) having anupside down “T” shape with a closed end connected to an open end by anenclosed connecting portion. In this example, the closed end iscomprised of sides 1353, 1354, 1355, and 1356. This closed end isconnected to the open end 1351 by connection sides 1350 and 1352. It isalso possible that open end 1351 may be elongated so as to form an Ishape as in other embodiments. In any case, what can be seen from theseexamples is that many there are many variations possible for the presentinvention.

Although a particular embodiment(s) of the present invention has beenshown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended tolimit the invention to the preferred embodiment(s) and it will beobvious to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. Thus, the invention is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

The invention claimed is:
 1. The apparatus, comprising: a level and/orstraight edge building tool having two opposing, lengthwise ends whereone end is a higher strength member(s) formed in a generally rectangularshape to augment the rigidity of the level, and the other end is a lowerstrength member(s), wherein the generally rectangular shape has at leastone curved outer surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehigher strength member(s) is a closed structure.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the higher strength member(s) is a hollow generallyrectangular shaped structure.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein thehollow shape structure has one or more support walls.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the higher strength member(s) generally rectangularshaped structure is a three straight sided hallow structure.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the level and/or straight edge buildingtool has a T-shaped structure at one of the two opposing ends.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the higher strength member(s) includes adifferent material than the other main members of the structure.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower strength member(s) is comprisedof more than one sections or sides.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe lower strength member(s) is a closed structure.
 10. An apparatus,comprising: a level and/or straight edge building tool having twoopposing lengthwise ends where one end is an open section and the otherend is a closed section, wherein the closed section has across-sectional generally rectangular shape that increases rigidity ofthe level and has one side that is curved.
 11. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the closed section is a three straight sided generallyrectangular shaped structure.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thegenerally rectangular shape structure has one or more support membersbuilt within an internal area of the generally rectangular shapestructure.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support membersare perpendicular with one or more walls of the generally rectangularshaped structure.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a cross sectionor end of at least one of the two opposing lengthwise ends has a T shapeand at least the other opposing end is a closed generally rectangularshape.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a connectingmember that connects the open section to the closed section and isapproximately perpendicular to at least one surface of the open sectionand the closed section to which it connects, wherein the open sectionand the closed section are approximately equal in width.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the open section, the closed section, andthe connecting member are formed integrally together by extrusion. 17.The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a scale formed along atleast one side of the closed section.
 18. A level and/or straight edgetool, comprising: a beam shaped structure including: a top elongatedstructure; a main frame side; a bottom elongated structure that isgenerally rectangular shaped cross-section having a higher strength thanthe top elongated structure; and one or more end cap(s) attached ontothe ends of the beam shaped structure, wherein at least one of the topelongated structure of the bottom elongated structure increases therigidity of the level and/or straight edge tool.
 19. The level and/orstraight edge of claim 18, wherein the top elongated structure is anopen shape or a closed shape and the beam shaped structure is formed byextrusion.
 20. The level and/or straight edge of claim 18, furthercomprising: one or more support member(s) formed within one of theclosed shaped structure, wherein the bottom elongated structure has atleast one curved side.